Urgent - TC at Dinton to be cut

[alisterbetts]

Latest Update (30/12/07)

The news is that there is no news. I have negotiated a temporary impasse with the guys at Dinton in the hope that temporary financing would be forthcoming and by the year end the vehicles would be at the MRC.

Sadly, the few very generous offers we have received still leave us well short of our target figure and as we click over into a new month, so another months rent is added to our debt.

I guess the really annoying thing is that, once this debt is cleared (as stated before, we would love to look a short-term loan at a rate favourable to both parties) , we have finance in place for not only the moves, repayment of debt but also the first years rent and a decent (realistic) plan to ensure the vehicles are restored for their return to the Wessex mainline in 2010.

On a positive note, we have plenty of national magazine coverage about to hit and I remain confident that the 4-TC will have it's future guaranteed very shortly.... BUT WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP!!!!!

Alister
07912 157769
the4tcgroup AT hotmail.co.uk

[thecityflyer]

It would help if you could get a website setup to publicize what you're trying to do. Preferably with a paypal type donation option?

[alisterbetts]

It would help if you could get a website setup to publicize what you're trying to do. Preferably with a paypal type donation option?

If you're volunteering! Trouble is, I'm running the whole show at the moment, plus my own business and other business interests.... desperately need help!

[alisterbetts]

Some positive news; I have today agreed a loan for approximately half of the outstanding amount on terms extremely favourable to the Group.

We now need to raise (maximum) £7k to have the unit safely at Butterley by the month end. As ever we would love donations but also private loans at mutually beneficial rates.

Thanks must go to the editors of Railways Illustrated, RAIL and The Railway Magazine who have raised our plight with a wider audience and generated a steady flow in donations.

Still some way to go - but in terms of the past 2 years troubles - I feel there is, finally, light at the end of the tunnel.

All further help appreciated - Alister 07912 157769 or e-mail the 4tcgroupAThotmail.co.uk

[alisterbetts]

I am pleased to announce that we now have the finance in place to book Allelys for the end of the month to move the TC to Butterley. James will confirm the date(s) shortly but sees no reason why this won't be achieved.

This leaves the TC Group with several immediate challenges;

1. All outstanding promises of donations and loans need to be collected and paid into the Bank ( sort-code 20-00-00 account 60286966 ) by Friday 25th January
2. We then have an immediate need to continue the fund raising as £1000 will be repayable in April and a further £5000 by 6th June. We must achieve these figures.
3. The 'Swanage TC Group' needs to be formed
4. A website/blog needs to put up to keep our current high level of PR continuing


Please can I have as much assistance as possible with the above!

Thanks for your support to date, please don't hestiate to contact me ( or buy me beer at the Swanage gala).

Alister Betts
07912 157769

[alisterbetts]

Right then! The move has been booked for Monday 4th February if anyone fancies going road-siding....A303/A34/M40 etc...

We need donations more than ever this week as I chase the final promises - we a couple of grand light of the final invoice, confident we can get this but need to be sure.

Nearly there..... please give me a call if you can help

Alister
07912 157769

[ianm42]

The Swanage TC Group now has a website which will grow over the coming weeks to provide news and information about the preserved 4TC.

http://www.4tc.org.uk

[alisterbetts]

For reasons I can't even begin to go into (but in keeping with this saga), the move of the TC has been postponed until Monday 11th Feb. However, I am delighted to confirm that the bill at Dinton has been settled and we're on our way to Butterley!!!!

[rwaceyw]

Who's buying the bagpipes to stick on the front of 33201 then?

Dave

[alisterbetts]

Who's buying the bagpipes to stick on the front of 33201 then?

Dave

We have plenty of spare pipes for 33120

[alisterbetts]

Good news! The first two vehicles departed Dinton for Butterley this afternoon and the remaining vehicles will be gone by Monday afternoon.

Still plenty to do in terms of repaying short-term finance but at least we can now look forward to starting the restoration of the unit and getting it back into service.

Thanks to all that have helped to date.

Alister
07912 157769